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Catalogue No. 05

Heat, sweat, water: how tape holds on long days

What sweat does to an adhesive, why you should tape an hour before exercise and how to dry off properly after a shower.

Published 1 October 20263 min read3 sources

Water droplets bead on black tape and bronze in golden light.
Exhibit K05 · Drops on rayon

Tape should hold when it matters: in training, in the heat, after the shower. Whether it does is often decided before you even start.

What sweat does to an adhesive

A research team from Denmark studied how skin adhesives react to sweat. The result: when artificial sweat collects between the adhesive and the surface, the adhesive flows less well and sticks less.1 So adhesives need a head start before the skin gets damp.

60 minbefore exercise is when to apply it. That gives the adhesive time to bond with the skin.

Before training

  • Tape early: about an hour before.3
  • Dry skin: no oil, lotion or sweat.3
  • Activate: rub over the tape several times after applying it.23

During exercise

Most strips come loose at the ends. Clothing, bag straps and towels pull right there. Rounded ends offer less to catch on than corners.2 If an edge does lift, press it back down with dry fingers.

After the shower or pool

Our tape is water-resistant. You can shower and swim with it. Afterwards, pat it dry with a towel and do not rub.3 Wet fabric is more delicate, and friction pulls at the ends.

How long it holds

That depends on your skin, your sport and the spot. You should not wear a tape for longer than 7 days.3

This text is for general information. It does not replace medical or physiotherapy advice.

Sources

  1. Hansen D. et al. (2020): Performance of polymeric skin adhesives during perspiration. ACS Applied Polymer Materials
  2. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, NHS Wales: Kinesiology Tape, General Taping Instructions
  3. Cura Athletics: instructions for use and warnings in the pack

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